Design process: The neighbourhood and the street
Neighbourhoods have their own unique mix of characteristics, such as the collection of building styles, parks, roads, shops, landmarks and active travel links. Quality design considers its impact on the surrounding natural and built environments by responding to the context of the location (neighbourhood).
Streets provide the local setting for daily life and activity. The collective appearance of buildings, landscaping, street trees, fencing, footpaths and driveways contribute to the streetscape. The design of new development should consider the street and how the development positively contributes to the existing or potential character of the street.
Design considerations
- What are the existing and planned characteristics of the neighbourhood and does the development reflect the characteristics? For more information, refer to Strategic Framework and Neighbourhood Plans in Brisbane City Plan 2014
- What are the physical attributes of the neighbourhood? Is it hilly, flat, or are areas prone to flooding? How can the development address these physical features? For more information, refer to Council’s Floodwise Property Reports
- Is it an older neighbourhood with a well-defined character? Is it a newer neighbourhood with a more contemporary setting? Is it a neighbourhood going through transition? How can this development contribute to the future identity and character of the neighbourhood?
- Where are the parks, shops and businesses, public transport, pedestrian/cycle routes and schools? How will future residents access these local services? How can active travel be encouraged?
- What type of street is the development on and who uses the street?
- Are the locations of the footpaths and cycle paths, street trees and driveways strengthening the continuity of the street?
- Are utilities (water, telecommunications and fire hydrants) shown on the drawings and are they sufficient to meet the demands of the development? For more information, refer to Council’s Planning Guidelines
- What are the cultural and built characteristics of the street? Are there protected heritage assets or settings in the street that the built form should reflect?
- Are there any views or vistas to or from the site? How has the development been designed to capture and consider these?
- How does the roofline and roofscape treatment contribute to the visual interest from the street?